On Thursday, baseball fans will travel back 100 years as the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame hosts Hugh Bedient Day at Diethrick Park when the Jamestown Jammers take on the Lowell Spinners in a New York-Penn League game.
This is the second of three events to honor Falconer native Bedient, a pitcher for the 1912 World Series champions Boston Red Sox. A banquet in October will finish the year's celebrations.
Bedient gained notoriety when he struck out 42 batters in a 23-inning complete game while pitching for a semi-pro team in 1908. He signed with Boston in 1910 and made his major-league debut in 1912. He pitched the first seven innings of the fifth, and final, game of the 1912 World Series against the New York Giants which the Red Sox won in 10 innings, 3-2.
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After three seasons with the Red Sox, Bedient played his final season with the Buffalo Blues in 1915.
Tickets for the Thursday game are free and may be picked up at any of the following locations: The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, The Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, Falconer Public Library, Hollyloft Ski and Bike, and Jamestown Cycle Shop.
Fans will receive a free commemorative baseball card outlining Bedient's major league career, courtesy of the Community Foundation.
"The Community Foundation is eager to support those activities that recognize individuals, such as Hugh Bedient, that have contributed to our region through their accomplishments," said executive director Randy Sweeney. "Coming from the Village of Falconer to participate in one of the premier sporting events of his time is a time that needs to be celebrated. We are delighted to recognize his success in the Major Leagues by providing a commemorative baseball card for the fans attending the game."
Game-day sponsors include Blackstone, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, Falconer Little League, Falconer Public Library, Fancher, G.A. Family Services, Jamestown Jammers, Jamestown Old Timers Baseball and Weber Knapp Company.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. on Aug. 2 and Bedient's grandsons, Tom Ames and Hugh Imus, will throw out the first pitches. The rain date, if necessary, will be Aug.9.